Remembering Horst Seidenfaden: Life, Career & Condolences

Savanah Lebsack 13 May 2025

Is local journalism truly a calling, a dedication that transcends mere employment? The recent passing of Horst Seidenfaden, the long-time editor-in-chief of the Hessische/Niedersächsische Allgemeine (HNA), underscores the profound impact a committed journalist can have on his community. His life, deeply intertwined with the fate of the HNA, serves as a potent reminder of the vital role local news plays in shaping civic discourse and preserving regional identity.

The news of Seidenfaden's death in October 2024, at the age of 68, has resonated deeply within Kassel and the wider region. For over three decades, he dedicated himself to the HNA, rising through the ranks from a young volunteer to ultimately leading the publication as its editor-in-chief. His tenure was marked by a staunch commitment to local coverage, a decision that cemented the HNA's position as a trusted source of information for the people of Hesse and Lower Saxony. While his departure from the newspaper at the end of 2017 was abrupt and shrouded in speculation regarding cost-cutting measures and editorial disputes, his legacy as a champion of local news remains firmly intact.

Category	Details
Personal Information
Full Name	Horst Seidenfaden
Birth Date	August 1956
Birth Place	Kassel, Germany
Death Date	October 2024
Age at Death	68
Residence	Small community near Kassel
Career Information
Occupation	Journalist and Writer
Newspaper	Hessische/Niedersächsische Allgemeine (HNA)
Years with HNA	Over 30 years
Positions Held	Volunteer Editor Various Leadership Roles Editor-in-Chief (2002-2017)
Professional Highlights
Focus as Editor-in-Chief	Concentrated on local news and events
Departure from HNA	End of 2017, reasons speculated as cost-cutting and editorial conflicts
Legacy	Remembered as a champion of local journalism in the Hesse and Lower Saxony region.
Reference	HNA Official Website

The official announcement from the Dierichs GmbH & Co. KG, the publishing house behind the HNA, described Seidenfaden's departure as "amicable," but this terse statement did little to quell rumors of a forced resignation. Sources close to the newspaper suggested that his staunch advocacy for maintaining a robust local news presence clashed with the publisher's desire to implement austerity measures. Whatever the true circumstances surrounding his exit, the impact on the HNA was undeniable. The subsequent leadership faced the challenge of navigating a changing media landscape while upholding the tradition of community-focused journalism that Seidenfaden had so diligently fostered.

A colleague shared a poignant anecdote that speaks volumes about Seidenfaden's character and his commitment to nurturing young talent. A prospective volunteer, traveling from the Sauerland region for an interview at the HNA, became hopelessly lost in Kassel. Distraught and on the verge of missing her opportunity, she contacted the newspaper. It was Horst Seidenfaden himself, the editor-in-chief, who calmed her anxieties and personally drove out to guide her to the HNA offices. This act of kindness, seemingly small in the grand scheme of things, reflects a leader who cared deeply about people and was willing to go the extra mile to support those aspiring to join the ranks of local journalism. The woman eventually secured the volunteer position and often recounted this story as a testament to Seidenfaden's genuine nature.

Beyond his role at the HNA, Seidenfaden was also a writer, albeit one whose work often remained deeply rooted in the local context. His writing, like his editorial decisions, reflected a desire to illuminate the stories of the people and places that comprised his community. He understood the power of local narratives to connect individuals, foster a sense of belonging, and hold local institutions accountable. In an era of increasingly homogenized news, Seidenfaden's dedication to local journalism served as a powerful counterpoint, reminding us of the importance of investing in news organizations that prioritize the stories that matter most to our communities.

The loss of Horst Seidenfaden is felt not only by his family and friends but also by the countless readers whose lives he touched through his journalism. His legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and a reminder of the crucial role local news plays in a healthy democracy. As we navigate an ever-evolving media landscape, it is imperative that we remember the lessons learned from leaders like Seidenfaden, who understood that the true measure of a news organization lies not only in its profits but also in its commitment to serving the public good.

The HNA, under Seidenfaden's leadership, was more than just a newspaper; it was a mirror reflecting the lives and concerns of the people of Hesse and Lower Saxony. He ensured that the paper covered everything from local politics and community events to human-interest stories and investigative reports that held local officials accountable. This commitment to comprehensive coverage fostered a sense of trust and connection between the HNA and its readership, making it an indispensable part of the region's civic fabric.

His dedication to local news extended beyond the confines of the HNA's newsroom. Seidenfaden was actively involved in various community initiatives, lending his support to local organizations and advocating for policies that would benefit the region. He understood that a strong local news organization is an integral part of a vibrant community, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that the HNA remained a positive force in the lives of its readers.

Even after his departure from the HNA, Seidenfaden remained a keen observer of the media landscape, often sharing his insights and perspectives on the challenges facing local journalism. He was a vocal advocate for finding sustainable business models that would allow local news organizations to thrive in the digital age. He believed that local news was too important to be left to the vagaries of the market and that innovative solutions were needed to ensure its continued survival.

One of the hallmarks of Seidenfaden's leadership at the HNA was his willingness to embrace new technologies and adapt to the changing needs of his readership. He oversaw the launch of the HNA's website and mobile app, recognizing the importance of reaching readers on the platforms they were using. He also encouraged his journalists to experiment with new forms of storytelling, such as video and interactive graphics, to engage readers in new and compelling ways.

Seidenfaden's vision for the HNA was one of a modern, forward-looking news organization that remained deeply rooted in its community. He understood that the key to success in the digital age was to provide readers with high-quality, relevant content that they could not find anywhere else. He also recognized the importance of building strong relationships with readers and engaging them in a dialogue about the issues that mattered most to them.

His commitment to excellence earned him the respect of his colleagues and peers in the journalism profession. He was known for his integrity, his fairness, and his unwavering dedication to the truth. He set a high standard for his journalists, and he inspired them to produce their best work. Under his leadership, the HNA won numerous awards for its journalistic excellence, solidifying its reputation as one of the leading regional newspapers in Germany.

Seidenfaden's legacy as a champion of local journalism will continue to inspire generations of journalists to come. His dedication to his community, his commitment to excellence, and his unwavering belief in the power of local news serve as a model for all those who aspire to make a difference through their work.

In addition to his work at the HNA, Seidenfaden was also a passionate advocate for media literacy. He believed that it was essential for citizens to be able to critically evaluate the information they consume and to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation. He often spoke to students and community groups about the importance of media literacy and the role it plays in a healthy democracy.

He understood that the media landscape was becoming increasingly complex and that it was becoming more and more difficult for people to navigate the sea of information that was available to them. He believed that it was the responsibility of journalists to help people develop the skills they needed to be informed and engaged citizens.

Seidenfaden's passion for media literacy stemmed from his deep belief in the importance of informed citizenship. He believed that a well-informed citizenry was essential for a functioning democracy and that journalists had a responsibility to provide citizens with the information they needed to make informed decisions.

He was a tireless advocate for transparency and accountability in government and business. He believed that journalists had a responsibility to hold those in power accountable for their actions and to expose corruption and wrongdoing wherever it occurred.

Seidenfaden understood that journalism was not just a job; it was a public service. He believed that journalists had a responsibility to serve the public interest and to provide citizens with the information they needed to make informed decisions about their lives and their communities.

His unwavering commitment to these principles made him a true champion of local journalism and a valuable asset to his community. His loss will be deeply felt by all those who knew him and by all those who benefited from his work.

The memorial page for Horst Seidenfaden invites readers to share their condolences and light a candle in his memory, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to illuminating the stories of others. His contributions to the Hessische/Niedersächsische Allgemeine and to the broader field of local journalism will not be forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, dedication, and a deep-seated belief in the power of local news to shape and strengthen communities.

Seidenfaden's influence extended to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment within the HNA newsroom. He was known for his open-door policy, encouraging journalists of all levels to share their ideas and concerns. This fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the staff, contributing to the high quality of journalism produced under his leadership. He believed in empowering his team, providing them with the resources and support they needed to excel in their roles. This approach not only improved the quality of the HNA's coverage but also created a more engaged and motivated workforce.

He also championed the importance of ethical journalism, emphasizing the need for accuracy, fairness, and impartiality in all reporting. He instilled in his journalists a deep respect for the truth and a commitment to holding themselves to the highest ethical standards. This commitment to ethical journalism helped to build trust with the HNA's readership and solidify its reputation as a reliable source of information.

Seidenfaden's legacy is not just one of professional achievement but also one of personal integrity and compassion. He was known for his kindness, his generosity, and his genuine concern for others. He was a mentor to many young journalists, guiding them and helping them to develop their skills and careers. He was also a strong advocate for social justice, using his platform to raise awareness about important social issues and to promote positive change.

His passing leaves a void in the German journalism community, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in his footsteps. He will be remembered as a true champion of local news, a dedicated public servant, and a kind and compassionate human being.

The exhibition mentioned, featuring selected stories and fates, poignantly highlights the painful Jewish history of Northern Hesse, contributing significantly to the remembrance work in the region. Seidenfaden's commitment to bringing such narratives to the forefront underscores his belief in the power of journalism to educate, inform, and promote understanding.

The discussion forum mentioned, dedicated to "The Tristan File," reflects the importance of fair and respectful dialogue, a principle Seidenfaden likely championed throughout his career. His emphasis on local journalism would have naturally involved navigating complex and sensitive issues, requiring a commitment to balanced reporting and responsible community engagement.